BELLEVUE, WA — Salt & Straw, a beloved ice cream shop known for its unique flavors and community-centric philosophy, has withdrawn plans to open a location at Avenue Bellevue, an upscale mixed-use development on NE 8th Street. Despite the decision, the company remains committed to finding an alternative location in the Bellevue area, according to the Puget Sound Business Journal.
The Portland-based ice cream chain originally planned to open a 1,300-square-foot store at Avenue Bellevue in early 2024, creating approximately 20 to 25 local jobs. This would have been Salt & Straw’s first location in Bellevue, with existing Washington locations in Kirkland, Ballard, Capitol Hill and Vancouver.
Founded in 2011 by Kim Malek and her cousins, Salt & Straw was intended to be a community gathering place where people could enjoy handmade ice cream with friends and family. The company is known for working with local makers, farmers and chefs to create an ever-changing menu of innovative flavors.
Salt & Straw’s exit is the latest in a series of setbacks for Avenue Bellevue’s retail lineup. In March 2024, two high-profile restaurants withdrew from the project. Michelin-starred chef Masaharu Morimoto and James Beard nominee Robbie Felice, both represented by Montclair Hospitality Group, withdrew from plans for the project.
Avenue Bellevue is a two-tower luxury development that blends hotel, retail and residential space. The South Tower includes 141 manor homes, while the West Tower offers 224 residences. The InterContinental Bellevue at Avenue, which opened in July 2024, offers 208 rooms with nightly rates ranging from $500 to $7,200.
The hotel’s opening has faced multiple delays. Initially set to open in October 2023, it was pushed back to January 2024, then to April 15, 2024, then again to June 15, 2024, and finally to July 18, 2024.
Despite these challenges, Avenue Bellevue and the InterContinental Bellevue have welcomed several retail and dining options, including Jo Malone, Fleur Studio, Brume (a furniture store), Cé La Vie (a lobby bar and lounge), and Fresco, a breakfast spot showcasing Pacific Northwest cuisine.
Salt & Straw’s decision to withdraw highlights the challenges facing the Avenue Bellevue development in acquiring and retaining tenants. However, the company’s continued search for a Bellevue location indicates its continued interest in expanding its presence in the area.
As Avenue Bellevue works to stabilize its retail presence, the community awaits further news on Salt & Straw’s plans and the future of this high-profile development.
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